Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca spoke about Phil Foden after his hat-trick against AEK Athens
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 20: Enzo Maresca, head coach of Manchester City, during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD3 match between Manchester City and AEK Athens at City of Manchester Stadium on October 20, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca
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Enzo Maresca admitted that Phil Foden has not been good enough for the last two seasons but hopes that the Manchester City star has turned a corner. Foden smashed in a hat-trick against AEK Athens to help the Blues to a thumping 5-1 win in the Champions League.
Those three made it four goals in two games for Foden in what are the first goals of 2026 for the 26-year-old. Having been recognised as the best player in the Premier League in the 2023/24 season, Foden suffered a dip the following year and then his form left him again in the second half of last season.
Maresca has taken over from Pep Guardiola and is looking to spark a change that brings Foden back to his best. A red card against United made for a painful wait before he could play again, but the Stockport midfielder has bounced back in style.
An eight-week lay-off for Antoine Semenyo should give Foden further opportunities in the coming months, and he stepped up against AEK Athens with a confident display that hints at a return to form. Maresca did not shy away from the problems Foden has had but still believes that the player can star for City.
"I was very happy with Phil, even before the red card to be honest," said Maresca. "I said since day one that I consider him one of the best English players. For different reasons, in the last two years, three years, he was not good enough but I know how good he is but we are just trying to help him because we are sure that he is going to help us this season."
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